Batō Kannon (Hayagriva)

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Another swift glance, I take within the peaceful confines of this Buddhist temple. Upon returning to inspect my previous scan, I notice another humble statue, a donation made in the spirit of generosity to the temple itself. Batō Kannon (Hayagriva) stands before me, its presence a testament to the rich heritage of Japanese Mahayana Buddhism. In this tradition, Hayagriva is revered as an incarnation of Avalokiteśvara, manifesting in a wrathful form known as Batō Kannon. This deity, one of six manifestations of Avalokiteśvara, is believed to be instrumental in saving sentient beings from the six realms: devas, asuras, humans, animals, hungry ghosts, and those trapped in hell. Hayagriva's sphere of influence extends specifically to the realm of animals, where individuals exhibit animal-like states of mind. In Japan's folk religion, Hayagriva is also worshipped as a guardian deity for horses, due to its name, which translates to "Horse-head" (Batō). The horse itself serves as a symbol, representing a vehicle rather than one of Hayagriva's multiple heads.